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Colin, welcome to the shanty, being that you are new to ice fishing, my first advice is that you go with someone with ice experience. DO NOT go alone, take reports with a grain of salt especially in regards to ice thickness, some folks really need to carry a tape measure! reading ice quality is something that takes experience. not all ice has the same strength, getting a little skiff of snow on the ice makes it even harder to read.some of the safety gear to invest in, ice spud, ice picks to carry around your neck, throw rope, ice creepers, compass, gps, throwable cushion/swim ring, dry bag for a change of clothes.fish the conditions, be aware of whats happening around you, be observant when entering the ice ( look back at shore on the way out to get landmarks) understand that while the ice may be ok when you venture out in the morning in the right conditions ice can deteriorate quickly making the return trip dangerous.enjoy the ice, have fun, catch fish but most of all be safe.
Colin, welcome to the shanty. being that you are new to ice fishing, my first advice is that you go with someone with ice experience. DO NOT go alone. take reports with a grain of salt. especially in regards to ice thickness, some folks really need to carry a tape measure! reading ice quality is something that takes experience. not all ice has the same strength, getting a little skiff of snow on the ice makes it even harder to read.some of the safety gear to invest in, ice spud, ice picks to carry around your neck, throw rope, ice creepers, compass, gps, throwable cushion/swim ring, drybag for a change of clothes.fish the conditions, be aware of whats happening around you, be observant when entering the ice ( look back at shore on the way out to get landmarks) also look back at shore to see if you see any little boats in yards or leaning against house/garage/shed this is so if something happens to a fellow fisher person you know right where to run and grab a boat to take out on the ice to get them out. understand that while the ice may be ok when you venture out in the morning in the right conditions ice can deteriorate quickly making the return trip dangerous, try to have a alternate exit route planned.enjoy the ice, have fun, catch fish but most of all be safe.